There is no way to predict how your day will go. When you get into the car in the morning to go to work, drop the kids off for school or start your list of errands, you might expect to be relaxing on your sofa at the end of the day. No one plans to be lying in a New York hospital bed following a motor vehicle accident.
For many drivers and passengers, a car accident results in little more than bruises and scrapes. They may suffer a sprain or a broken bone. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Often, a car accident can result in serious or even catastrophic injuries that may lead to a lifetime of struggle. If you are in an accident caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, you may be among those who suffer such injuries.
Common injuries from accidents
Many factors determine the severity of a motor vehicle accident and the extent of the injuries you might suffer. The speed and trajectory of each vehicle, weather and road conditions, and the alertness of the drivers are some elements that factor into the equation. While no two accidents are alike, first responders and medical teams in emergency rooms commonly see the following serious injuries:
- Internal organ damage
- Fractures or amputation of extremities
- Chest injuries that place your heart and lungs at risk
- Back injuries, including spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
It is likely that you will suffer more than one injury, and doctors may have to determine which is more life-threatening before they decide the course of treatment that is best for you. You may spend time in the hospital or have to return for additional surgeries or treatment. You may require ongoing physical or cognitive therapy or require a lifetime of personal care.
You should not overlook the emotional trauma you suffer during an accident. For many victims of car accidents, the psychological impact can be debilitating. This is especially true if you suffer a life-altering injury or lose a loved one in the accident.
You don’t have to suffer alone
A motor vehicle accident can do more than disrupt your plans for the day. It can affect the future of every member of your family. Accidents create physical, financial and emotional hardships that are difficult to recover from.
If you and your family are struggling to cope following a catastrophic accident caused by someone’s negligent behavior, you have options. Reaching out to a compassionate and skilled attorney may provide you with information about how to seek restitution for your pain and suffering.